Charles
Come and play
Come and play or I'll make you pay
If you knew what I've done...
If you only knew
- I deserve the worst - Please...
Who are you?
You're here to kill me
Kill me
Why is your hand around my neck?
The traces must be removed
Please, sir...
...take off my medallion
I've had it since my first communion
Idiot
Have no fear, Mr Thief
I'll submit to anything you want
JUST BEFORE NIGHTFALL
- Sir? - Whisky, please
- Perrier with that? - No, thanks
Another, please
Charles
What's the matter? Are you incognito?
No. My eyes ache since morning
It's funny that you know this bar
No, I happened to be passing by, I was thirsty
I came to see the lawyer about my father's estate
I could have given you a lift this morning if I'd known
We could have lunched together
I tried to get Laura at the shop, she was out
Your dark glasses make an impression
It's not so pleasant
I'm blind with them, but they do help my eyes
Be careful
I ended up having lunch alone in a dump near the lawyer
Very gloomy
I had lunch alone as well
If you're through, I'll take you back
- What have they got in their skulls? - Sawdust
Funny we should meet in that café
Why don't you have a car?
I'm prejudiced. It would be the end of everything
- Doesn't Hélène mind? - Hélène?
She couldn't care less. She has her motorcycle
The truth is you're completely eccentric
Maybe
It's true, your eyes are red
You should see an oculist
It's getting better
- Evening, Jeannot - Evening, M. Tellier, M. Masson
Have you seen my wife? She was bringing you a poker
Yes. A poker and a pair of bellows. She hasn't passed by yet
Two small whiskies
Whiskies for the gentlemen
You don't look well, M. Masson
I'm tired. Too much work
Have a drink with us. You too, madam
M. Masson is offering us a drink
Can't say no to that, M. Masson
Answer it. I'll serve
- It's for you, M. Tellier - For me?
- Yes, it's your maid. It's urgent - OK, I'm coming
I spoke to my friend about your son
He'll try and see him next week
That's really nice of you. He'd love to work in Paris
- Here's to you - Cheers
- What is it? - Laura had an accident
I'm going back to Paris
Want me to come with you?
Hélène will be expecting you. Thanks
- Run over? - I'm afraid so
- Nothing serious, I hope - Thanks, Jeannot
- Call as soon as possible - OK
- Don't you want me to come? - No, Charles. Don't worry
Everything all right?
We've bought some flour to make a cake
See you later. Hang on
See you later on
They're making a cake
- Aren't you going to help? - No
Josephine, is the chocolate melting?
No, not much
There you are. You certainly took your time
I was strolling along...
We're making a chocolate cake
- What does the recipe say? - It says, "Take your time"
There wasn't enough flour left
I phoned the office at 4:00. You were out
I had people to see
Making chocolate cakes isn't so straightforward
You can't do it just like that
Look at this
What is it?
Laura has had an accident
- Serious? - I'm afraid so
- Don't bother your mother - And François?
He went back to Paris after he got the call
- Will you stop pounding? - What?
Because...
- Is she in hospital? - I suppose so
He promised he'd call
Is this Mlle. Maillardi's flat?
- I was told to come here - Come in, sir
I was told on the phone my wife had an accident
Unfortunately, yes
- Where is Mlle. Maillardi? - You'll see her
- Is my wife dead? - Excuse me, sir
M. François Tellier? Cavanna, police officer
What's happened to my wife? Is she dead?
I am sorry to have to tell you. Yes, she is dead
Things are more complicated than Mlle. Maillardi said on the phone
- She's been murdered - Murdered?
What do you mean? By whom?
We don't know yet, sir
When Mlle. Maillardi came home an hour ago...
...she found your wife dead. Strangled
I don't understand
Why was my wife here in the absence of...
Where is Mlle. Maillardi?
You'll see her. She'll explain why your wife was here
- You didn't know? - No
- What? - Sit down, please
You didn't know that your wife was coming here?
When did you see her last?
This morning, before going to work
What is your work?
I'm an architect
I build houses
You knew she was coming to Paris?
She is a partner...
...in a small antique shop...
...in the Swiss Village
Before we continue you'll have to identify the body
I know it's painful, but we have no choice
François, please, forgive me
I never imagined it would end like this
- Forgive you for what, Gina? - M. Tellier, please
Can you identify your wife?
Your cake is delicious
- I made it - No, I did
Make up your minds
- Who whisked the eggs? - I melted the chocolate
We'll fight a duel at dawn. Who will choose the weapon?
Taste it
I may be a monster, but what depresses me is when you look worried
- He's the monster - It's true, you know
Forgive me. It's a blow though
Anyway, you're not a monster
Will you stop it, you two?
You phoned her twice at the shop?
Yes
From the lawyer's, then from a café
Did you get on well with your wife?
Yes... in our own way
Was your visit to the lawyer's connected with your wife?
Not at all. It concerned my father's will
Did you ever suspect your wife of infidelity?
No
She had many friends
But I never spied on her
Now that you know she had a lover...
...can you think of a name?
No
What about you, Mlle. Maillardi?
You don't know who he is? You never saw him?
No
I see. You were only the landlady
Would you accept valuing?
I accept everything, the dictionary doesn't
- Well, but you... - No
Well, then, I'll put...
...Lingual
I've had enough
As you like
It's 11:30. He won't come now
That's what worries me
Do you think he's home?
- Shall I call him? - He said he'd call. Let's go to bed
- Come on, to bed - It won't be easy to sleep
It will be for me. Very easy
Your games are too complicated
It's no reason to make fun of me
Sorry, I'm not up to it
What are you doing?
I won't be able to sleep, I'm taking some laudanum
Antique Dealer Murdered in Rented Studio
At first there was some scratching. Then...
...and it stopped. So I lay waiting
- You were not asleep? - I couldn't
It started again all over the ceiling
- I'd have been scared - I wasn't. I knew it was a rat
- A mouse, perhaps - No, it was a big cross-eyed rat
- Did you hear it? - Yes. But I slept
We'll get a trap to catch it
We put a bit of cheese in it...
- Is it like that true, Dad - Yes
- With rat poison - Come on, it's time to go
Hélène. The news about Laura is in the paper
She's dead. She was strangled
I shouldn't say it in front of the children
It's unbelievable. How did it happen?
Read the paper. I can't tell you
Have you seen François?
Did you phone him?
Let's go, children
Josephine...
...l'll drop you off and then fetch you this evening to buy the trap
See you tonight
I'm dropping by to see François
Bye, Dad
I didn't call you last night
The news wasn't very pleasant
I know. It was in the paper. You don't have to say anything
Apparently she was killed by her lover. It's absurd
Hélène thought you might like to stay with us for a few days
No. I want to stay here
Poor Hélène must have been shocked
She's so far from such things
- Can you spare a few minutes? - Yes
We'll try to have the funeral here the day after tomorrow
- Where is she now? - In Paris
They're doing the autopsy
Sit down
What is it?
It's about Laura
I don't want you and Hélène to think I'm upset because she had a lover...
...or perhaps several
Our marriage wasn't like yours and Hélène's, you understand?
We got on very well, but...
...I led a life of my own, you see
It's only natural she should, too
I wouldn't want Hélène and you to think badly of her
I don't want to pass judgment on anyone
I have no right to behave like a victim
Listen. Count on me if you need anything
That's kind of you. You'll miss your train
I didn't tell the police we met in that bar
But I don't mind at all. If it's any help...
How could it be? Here they come...
The inspector I saw yesterday. He doesn't waste any time
Should I talk to him?
See you soon
- I'm very fond of you both - We're fond of you, too
Here's my magic wand...
"Culpa", the washing powder that removes evil stains
It's exactly what I wanted
It's perfect
- What do you think? - It's perfect
- And you, Prince? - I'm thrilled
The spot's good but I wonder about the slogan
The slogan is perfect, believe me
Besides, I wrote it
I know my customers
Good day gentlemen. I know the way
You hurt his feelings
Not even Culpa could remove all his stupidity
- Whisky? - Drinking in the morning now?
- Did all go well, yesterday? - So-so
You know that not just me, but Lucie and Protov too...
...we all think you're a chicken
We're all sure you go to the movies
You look as if you could use a drink too
- Since last night, I've felt tired - Have a drink then
The wife of my best friend, François Tellier...
...who built my house...
She's dead
She was murdered yesterday... strangled
- It's in the papers - The antique dealer was his wife?
I see why you're shocked
You never believe it can happen to people you know
I wanted to tell you that there's trouble right here too
The cash and the books don't match
- What is it? - Gaps. Receipts are missing
Incredible
What does Bardin say?
He says people forgot to give him receipts
- It's possible - Of course it is
- What do you think? - He's swindling
Did you forgot to hand in receipts?
I don't know. I couldn't swear I didn't
See him...
- He's been here ten years - I'll call him
Ask M. Bardin to come in
- It takes them suddenly, you know - It's embarrassing
Why? If anyone can scare him, you can
But I don't want to
We have to clear this up
Let's keep an eye on him. It could be accidental
Good morning, M. Masson, M. Prince
Come in, M. Bardin. M. Masson wants to discuss yesterday's audit
The accountants accuse me of cash errors
Yes, I know. M. Prince told me about it
The truth is, some receipts for expenses are missing
Since they are all careless here I have to take their word
- But if later I'm accused of... - I am not accusing you
It's very humiliating
You mustn't feel humiliated
You mustn't feel persecuted
Mine is a job of trust, sir
If you can't trust me, dismiss me
There's no question of it
These are routine checks not aimed at anyone. Least of all, you
Let's calmly verify...
...these receipts
I've quite likely been lax too
- May I go back to my work? - Yes, of course
This whole thing annoys me
I didn't know you were so timid
White woman in Apache territory
She must be mad
Here's Grandma. Don't start asking her for things
- Hello, children - Hello, Grandma
- Hello, Hélène. You look marvellous - You seem to be in great shape
I'm not well and doctors are worse
It's all in the mind says the new fashion
My illnesses are everywhere except in my mind
I'm afraid to catch cold
You can play by yourselves
You could have brought us something
I was told you have too many toys
- Who told you that? - Your father
Now, what did I just tell you?
I'll get you some champagne
I adore you, you encourage my vices
- Will you take your coat off? - Not yet
- Want some, Jacqueline? - It makes me sneeze
Oh, that's true
I'll see to it, dear
You're dressed very formally today
It's for Laura Tellier's funeral
- She's dead? - Yes
Three days ago. Didn't you read about it in the papers?
What do you mean, the papers?
She was murdered. Strangled
My God. I didn't associate it. The women murdered by her lover
- What a sordid end - Yes
She was your and Charles's friend, but I never liked her
- Why? She was very nice - No
Her upper lip curled up, and that's a sign
She was all over Charles. But you're so naive, you never noticed
Charles didn't notice either
You had nothing to fear. Charles adores you
Does he adore me as you adore him?
We're a happy family and that's priceless
- What time is the funeral? - 3:00
- I'll stay with the children - Charles will be back for lunch
- Hello, Mother - Hello, darling. You don't look well
I should be asking how you are. Seen your doctors?
They're so discouraging
We're having champagne
- Would you like some? - Yes, gladly
It's true, you don't look well
I do feel upset. Has Hélène told you about the funeral?
Yes
You look feverish
François has asked us to go to the cemetery. He's coming to get us
Of course. Poor François
You know Charles, a few days ago I was invited at my dentist's
I met your friend, Robert Lamour. Do you remember him?
Yes. A big strong guy
He kept praising you
He's in publishing. He read your novel and says you must go on
He said wonderful things about you
It makes a mother feel so happy
François, I killed Laura
I'll park over there
I'm glad you came. I hope you feel better
Mlle. Maillardi is a very old friend of Laura's
M. And Mme. Masson
Oh Lord, who wept over Your friend Lazarus...
...dry our tears, we beseech Thee
Lord, who had our sister born unto the life of God
Welcome her today into Thy peace, we beseech Thee
Thou who experienced death for the love of us...
...so that we might know eternal life...
That life of bliss that knows no ending
Lord, hear our prayer
Grant this mercy to Thy departed servant
And may she not be punished for her misdeeds
As true faith unites her with the faithful on earth
Let Thy mercy allow her into heaven
Through Christ our Lord
She had no relatives
Can I take you home?
She's nice, Laura's friend
- Had you met her before? - No, it's the first time
She was looking at you as if she knew you
I didn't notice
I don't like funerals
The policeman who questioned Jeannot
I'm so tired, Hélène
Come, a drink will do you good
That's kind of you, Hélène, but you've got your mother, Charles and the kids
I'm fine, don't worry
I'll take you back
- I'm Charles Masson - Yes, of course
M. Tellier asked me to look over some of Laura's things
It's a bit... gloomy
- It must have been horrible - Yes
Here's my train
- Am I disturbing you? - No, not at all
It's early. What's the matter?
Forgive me
What is it? Did you come to tell me something?
- Yes - Come in
Would you have a cigarette? I forgot to buy some this morning
I lied to you the other evening
Partly because I felt guilty. The police were there...
I knew Laura was meeting a man in my apartment
I can't forgive myself for lying to you
Sit down
I saw him once
Coming back from my work, I saw Laura come out with a man
They didn't notice me
I had never seen him
Now I know who he is
I saw him at the funeral. He's one of your friends
The man you introduced to me, M. Masson
You can't believe Charles killed Laura
I don't know, but I did see him with Laura two months ago
I realise what it implies
Should I mention it to the police?
Thank God you came to speak to me about it
I can reassure you immediately
It's completely absurd
Good morning. I'll start with the dishes
- Some coffee? - Gladly
- How about you? - Yes, please
Gina, you can't be sure you didn't make a mistake
You had a glimpse of someone at night
How can you be sure you're not wrong?
I could be, but I'm sure it was him
Even if it is him...
Even if it is him you saw, there must be a natural explanation
There could be a dozen
You don't know Charles
I've known him 25 years
We've been friends for 25 years, we're like brothers
He's married to a marvellous woman. He's very happy with her
All he thinks of is his family
He has the most honest, open mind I know
- You see why it's idiotic? - Yes
- But you suspect him all the same? - I'm sure it is he I saw, that's all
- It's not ready. I'll do the bedroom - Very good. Thank you
I shouldn't tell the police?
No, frankly
Certainly not
There's absolutely no reason
I ask you not to
It would cause unpleasantness, without helping the police
One can never tell
It might cause a terrible tragedy
I remember a news item because an architect was the victim
He was innocent
But he was wrongly identified
He spent most of his life in prison
The witness swore he was the man
The truth came out 15 years later
One can't take such a chance
Yes, I understand. You're right
I never really wanted to go to the police
I was hoping you'd tell me not to go
Forget all this
Don't talk about it
It's too dangerous. It can hurt us all
Don't worry. I won't say anything
M. Tellier's gone to work
He'll be back late. He has a lot to catch up on
- How is he? - He is a courageous man
Yes, a very courageous man
Cold as the North Pole
Freezing
- The other side - And here?
- Still colder - The other side
Getting warmer
- And here? - Almost lukewarm
We're playing hunt-the-thimble
You play with Josephine and no cheating
He'll cheat
- I was thinking this morning... - Yes?
Christmas is in three weeks
There will be nothing left in the shops
So what?
We have to buy Christmas presents
- You're strange - No, I'm tired
You are strange
It's not what you think
When shall we buy the presents?
I don't know... When you like...
I'm sorry, forgive me
You should forgive me
I must have hurt you
I wonder what François is doing for Christmas
Would he like to come here?
I don't know. Ask him
- Maybe we don't see enough of him - Yes
Are you still thinking about what I said?
No, of course not
I do love you
- You're a wonderful husband - Please don't say that
Take your arms away. I'm not what you think?
I've had an affair with another woman
I see. When?
Several months ago. But it's been over a long time
I was very unhappy
I hated lying to you
Don't be too upset
It hurts a bit
But I'm glad you told me
You know these things happen...
It could've happened to you
It didn't occur to me
I'll tell you who she was
Do I know her?
You can't guess?
Laura
Forgive me
- Now you're upset - Was it still going on...?
No, it was over
- But you'd quarrelled? - No, we were through
She fascinated me a while but I didn't love her
- I don't think I loved her - No, you didn't love her
Your mother guessed she was after you
That's why she hated her
Let's go back. The children will start wondering
- Does it show I've been crying? - No
- You went to that apartment with her? - Yes
It must have been horrible for you
You know, it doesn't really hurt
Are you coming?
Can you pass the large bauble?
- What's the matter? - It's no good
It's bad. You're joking. It's not possible
- Is yours bad too? - Disgusting
It's too bad
- What can we eat? - Bread and butter
Watch the steps
The red one is Josephine's, yours is the one behind
You've got the gold one as well
- He's got two! - She's jealous
What's so funny?
- Go over there - She's a wimp
Be nice to your sister
I'm taking the last one
- Merry Christmas - Good evening, François
Why didn't you spend the day with us?
I asked him but he wouldn't
I just dropped in to bring the children their presents
- Something for me? - Yes, and for Josephine too
- Dine with us - I can't
I'm flying to London. I'm late already
- Bye, Hélène - Big hug
Me too
I'm going to bed
I'm tired. Come along, children
Charles, do you hear anything?
Who's crying like that?
- Charles? - Yes
- My God, what's the matter? - I think it's a nervous breakdown
But you were better lately
It was Christmas, but I felt awful
What is it?
I can't go on. I won't go to the office any more
That's not important
I can't stop crying, it's horrible
- Do you want a doctor? - No
You're still upset about what you told me?
No
It would be silly, you know
It's not important. I'm not upset about it
I'm glad I told you
How about going to the sea?
We could ask your mother for the keys to the house and go on our own
What about the children?
Jacqueline can look after them for a few days
Your mother will come here too, she'll enjoy it
Don't you think it's a good idea?
Yes
Feel better now?
Yes
Do you want to tell me something?
No. Nothing
No, I feel better
Hélène, about Laura...
- I didn't tell you everything - What did you say?
About Laura. I didn't tell you everything
- What do you mean? - It was me
Come and see
Please forgive me
I didn't have the courage
I couldn't bear being the only one to know any longer
Was it an accident?
- Don't talk if you don't want to - Yes, I want to
I want to tell you exactly how it happened
That's what's awful. I can explain exactly how it happened
My darling, I'd like you to understand
With you, love is simple and clear
With her it was a sort of...
...insane drama
She forced me...
She made me participate
It wasn't love, it was violent and humiliating
She wanted me to rape her
She forced me to be brutal to her
That's what was so horrifying
It was she who tortured me
She took pleasure in seeing me suffer when she made me beat her
And me... I couldn't help going back to her
One day she told me to put my hands...
...around her neck...
...and to squeeze
I put one hand around her neck. She said, "Not like that, both hands
"And come on top of me so I can see your eyes while you squeeze"
She forced me to put both hands around her neck
I shivered when my fingers touched her soft neck
Squeeze until I close my eyes
I squeeze softly for a few seconds
She was half-lying down, completely still...
...and looking at me
She hadn't closed her eyes
My fingers... I couldn't control them
- Please, don't - No, let me go on
I am sorry, go on
It was like vertigo. I panicked
I was afraid that when she would close her eyes I'd go on squeezing
So... I let go of her neck
I was all in. I'd been so terrified
I tried not looking at her, but...
...I didn't manage
It was like plunging into an abyss
Do you understand?
- I think so - No, I don't think you do
I don't really think you can
I must have crossed the line between fantasy and reality
Suddenly, Laura was dead
- But you didn't want her to die - Yes, that's right
Have the police bothered you?
No
What about Laura's friend at the funeral?
Nothing
She would have told the police
Then you're not in danger
The children...
Shall we call them. We'll be home soon
Are you feeling better?
Much better. I don't feel alone any more
You know... there's one thing I was not honest about
- It doesn't matter - It does
When you asked if I wanted to kill Laura, I answered no
I'm not sure that was true
Stop torturing yourself. It was an accident
I wanted you to know everything
Forgive me for spoiling your holiday...
...but something annoying cropped up
Annoying is an understatement
Anyway, if I'd gone away too we'd be in a mess
Take my word for it
In short, you are needed urgently
Decisions have to be made and my frail shoulders won't carry them
I am a bit vague, but I can't say more in a letter
See you soon. Regards to your wife, Dominique Prince
- We're leaving - What is it?
A problem at the office
- The cops are here - The cops?
Bardin's left with two month's pay roll
I called the police. What could I do?
Commissaire Cavanna is handling the case
I have no right to the rank
All policemen are commissaries and all civilians are bosses
- You don't seem very upset - Don't rely on appearances
M. Masson, I believe?
I'm sorry you had to come back for this sorry business
Do you have an idea where Bardin could be hiding?
No, I don't. I'm flabbergasted
You nevertheless suspected something last month
I found it hard to believe
You nearly apologised to him
He's been ten years with us
Ever since we started
It's almost classic
From what I gathered, he fell for a girl two months ago
They took off together
- But his wife... - His wife and daughter...
...have been left penniless
He cashed the family bank account
Such things happen without warning
I hope they catch the bastard
It depends upon his behaviour
If he's left France, there's no hope. But they often hesitate
They're cowards, frightened by their own actions
If he's in France we have a chance. Maybe quite soon
I'm optimistic then. The bastard has no guts
Don't be too hard on him
- What's your opinion, M. Masson? - Me? I don't know
I'm trying to understand why he did it. I liked the man
- 120,000 francs is a costly liking - He is a crook
- You must sign the complaint - Complaint?
It's the law
You can sign it for me
They prefer the boss to sign. It's more legal
Aren't you also assigned to investigate Laura Tellier's murder?
I knew I'd seen you somewhere
You left M. Tellier's as I was entering
You have a good memory
You too
It's not the same thing. The police are always an event
True. The police have a certain prestige
I was assigned to the state police before Christmas
- Do you know M. Tellier? - Yes, of course
He designed my house
I knew his wife too
I should have questioned you
It would be a miracle to find whoever did it
Don't tell your friend, but the investigation is negative so far
All we have are useless fingerprints
Now you have mine
- How are you? - All right
Hélène invited me to dinner
- Good idea. How are things? - Lots of work, it helps
- Is it serious at your office? - Just stupid and sad
It's not always the strongest who can stand the most
Perhaps... We won't lay the table formally
She's not interested in music and yet she plays all the time
They never found who did it?
Good evening, darling. Good evening, M. Tellier
I like a low table. A very good idea
It is Charles' idea. He wanted everything modern
He made me go further than I would've dared
You had an interesting theory
I've forgotten
I remember. It had to do with your obsession of becoming bourgeois
You said, progressive environment kept sclerosis away
I'm not sure it's enough
- Do you feel bourgeois? - Almost
- Liqueur? - Yes
I love this white liqueur of yours
Your doctor doesn't forbid it?
He doesn't forbid anything. He's crazy, he wants me dead
Your children behave like adults at the table
And when it's bedtime they obey without a complaint
They're marvellous
I'm in love with Josephine. I'm not impartial
François...
...when you're ready to go I'll walk back with you a bit
You're not throwing François out?
Good God, no. I was just thinking about something
I didn't know what I was saying
Taste this
I had no intention of leaving yet
I'll say goodbye to you as well, darling
Goodbye
What did you want to tell me?
Did you hear my mother's question when we arrived?
Yes, I heard
The detective investigating the theft at the office...
...told me there was little chance of finding Laura's murderer
- You don't know who it is? - No
I want you to know I killed Laura
I've told Hélène everything
She refuses to pass judgment. She accepts it, you understand?
She only wants to save me
I can't bear not being judged
I want you to tell me what to do
- What you consider right - I don't know
Should I give myself up?
- Give yourself up? - Yes
No, I don't think that's a good idea
It would be the correct thing to do
No, think of Hélène and the kids. It would not change anything
But I must pay one way or another
I don't know
I have no desire for revenge
It's so difficult to realise all that
I believe it's best to try to forget
I committed a crime, François. I'm a murderer, do you understand?
- I'm a murderer, aren't I? - How do I know? I'm not sure
It was accidental or you wouldn't have done it
But I think I really wanted to kill her
Keep walking
- Did you know about Laura and me? - No
- You never suspected anything? - No
At times I wished you had. It would have ended it
Why didn't you tell the police you saw me the day she died?
I didn't want them to bother you
Why don't you tell them now?
Stop talking about giving yourself up
Get this idea out of your head
I don't consider you guilty
No one is guilty of what happens in a nightmare
- You think so? - I'm sure of it
This story must be buried
You must bury it, no matter how
But it mustn't be between us any more
Do you forgive me?
It's not a question of forgiveness. Nothing ever happened
The matter is closed
I confessed, I unburdened my conscience. And you absolve me
You never would have slept with Hélène behind my back
Perhaps I would have if Hélène had been Laura
- I'm going home - Yes, do. Goodnight
Don't preserve our friendship...
...if you feel it's impossible. It would be a way to punish me
See you tomorrow
Why didn't you go to bed?
Prince called? He told me about Bardin
He'll be at the office early, you can go to the police together
Bardin was arrested at 8:00 this evening
- Already? - Prince was jubilant
The fool
- Coming to bed? Wasn't it cold out? - Not very
At what time do we have to be at the police?
- 9:30 - Is Mother in bed?
Yes, I was afraid the phone would wake her
I told François everything
- What did he say? - The same as you more or less
I thought he would
I knew he would. I knew he had no guts
He must have felt guilty about leaving his family penniless
He sent them a money order
They had fled to Orleans
Just like a novelette! Adventure just around the corner!
Please. You're not funny
Can't you be pleased at recovering your money?
Here we are
Commissaire Delfeil
- Do take a seat - Good morning, M. Masson
I'm very glad this matter was settled rapidly
- So are we - You know how it happened?
- Bar... Bar... - Bardin
That's right, Bardin was stupid enough...
...to send his wife money from Orleans where he was hiding
We had the whole afternoon to find him
It wasn't difficult, was it, Cavanna?
Let's have him here
The young woman I saw sitting outside...
She's the 'motive' if I may put it that way
She's sweet, but in my opinion, hardly worth it
- Is it him? - Oh, yes
Bardin
Why did you do it?
Go to hell
You're not going to kiss me?
- What about me? - All right
Are you all right?
- Do you like it? - What?
- The music. Do you like it? - Yes
It sounds like Stravinsky
Do you want a whisky? You look tired
I am tired. I'd like a whisky
- Your hand is cold - It is cold
Couldn't sleep?
It's 3:00 in the morning
- Haven't you slept? - No, I haven't slept
Go back to bed. I'll join you soon
I want to stay near you
I don't need comforting
You can't give me the peace I need
All you can do is torture me. Can you understand?
You think I can't understand, is that it?
No, it's not that
I've decided to give myself up
I think you're wrong. I don't see any necessity
Yet it's the only solution
If I didn't do it, it would only be out of cowardice
I couldn't bear being that much of a coward
How does cowardice come into it?
You're imagining things and can't sleep because you're overwrought
It's ridiculous
It's something between me and myself
I'll only find peace when I'm cuffed
I know it now
I want to do what is right, nothing else matters
I agree about doing what's right
Would giving yourself up be right for me and the children?
I've thought about that
The children's lives can't be ruined...
...because their father does what is right...
- Whatever the cost - What about your mother?
Justice doesn't spare a guilty man because his family will suffer
You're completely obsessed
I can see it in your eyes
I know why. It has nothing to do with what's right or wrong
It's a morbid desire to hurt yourself
You take pleasure in torturing yourself
Giving yourself up has no moral value
It will be perversion, nothing else
What about my crime? That's perversion?
Do you think I murdered Laura out of perversion?
You think I strangled her to torture myself?
- You're not a criminal - I am, I killed her
I'll tell them it was premeditated, that I wanted her dead
- That's exactly it - You know it's not true
You know that's not true
It is. I know it now
Now, I know
You're trying to destroy yourself. You're behaving like a madman
You may be right. I may be going mad
Get hold of yourself. That's real courage
It's not in giving up and sentencing yourself
I believe in you. I know you're fundamentally innocent
You have to believe it too
You have to be happy again. We can be
- You think so? - Yes
All these ghosts must vanish
- François said that too - It's true
Fight for our happiness
Come now
Let's go back to bed and try to sleep
- Talk to me about Laura's death - Stop thinking about it
Talk to me about it if you want me to stop thinking about it
I think you got rid of something you couldn't bear any longer
I'm not sure you killed her
Since you told me everything, I can't believe you really did it
My darling...
It's terrible but I won't be able to live with it
I know I won't. It's pointless to fight
Cowardice or madness, I can't go on
I'm through. I'll give myself up in the morning. Listen to me...
I put my papers in order and I wrote a letter to my mother
I'll mail it before giving myself up
No, you can't do that
I don't want to influence you, but...
...wait a little longer
Not tomorrow. It's all I ask
I am not being impulsive. I thought it over
I could have done it at the police this morning
I just didn't want to do it without telling you
Spending another day with you and the children is unbearable
Please don't ask me to
It's the only way you can help me
I want to have your consent
I'd like to do it in full understanding with you...
...the children...
...and my mother
Yes, you're right
I won't say any more
- Really? - Yes
I could have committed suicide. It would have been better for all
But I would've been a coward. A coward...
I can't despise myself that much. Forgive me
I understand
I admire you...
More than anyone else in my life
I feel close to you. You're wonderful
Give me something to sleep
Make night fall
My dear Hélène, I'm writing to you now...
...because I believe it will help you
I know you'll read between the lines the things we'll never talk about
The terrible pain I felt when Charles took his life...
...gave me but a small idea of your sorrow
But the pain is being replaced now...
...by the image of the wonderful man he was
As you know...
...all his life, he fought for the happiness of those he loved
He couldn't live without dignity
His weaknesses made him more lovable...
...so close to you, so very close
May God have pity on us. François
- What is it? - A letter from François
- About Charles? - Yes, about Charles
The children are beginning to forget
The garden and house of Charles and Hélène...
...was designed and created by architect, Jack Hamoniau